Ernest Jefferies Jr. is a candidate for Chesapeake City Council. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Jefferies is running against eight challengers for Chesapeake City Council.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office for this election is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Click here to see who is on your ballot.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Name: E. R. Jeff Jefferies
Age: 50
Website: www.Jefferiesforcouncil.com
Why are you running for this office?
I possess the leadership experience and integrity to bring forward the citizens’ voices concerning the challenges that lay ahead for the city of Chesapeake. For the past 23 years, I have had the honor of serving the citizens of Chesapeake for 23 years as a police officer. Currently, I am a Captain assigned to the Investigations Bureau. My career has been spent doing the right things, even when they are hard and often unpopular. Chesapeake has been my home for over 20 years, where I live with my wife, who is a special education school teacher in Chesapeake Public Schools. Together, we have raised our two girls who are both graduates of our fine schools. We love this city and look forward to this new opportunity to lead and serve.
What is the top challenge facing Chesapeake, and how would you address it?
Chesapeake must balance the “small town” community feel while maintaining low taxes, educational excellence and public safety. This is achieved through supporting our teachers, public safety, and balanced smart growth.
What is your view on preserving agricultural land while also addressing the affordable housing crisis?
I believe in preserving the beloved green spaces and view this as a priority for many residents. This will be balanced with the need to achieve attainable housing. I have raised two daughters in Chesapeake, who are now away at college. I would love for them to graduate and be able to start their families in Chesapeake, as well.
How do you view promoting environmentally sustainable policies like recycling when compared to costs?
There are new solutions through updated technologies, systems of collection, and processing that make this a more fiscally responsible program. Therefore, I support bringing recycling back to the table for discussion.
What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?
Campaign contributions often come from individuals and businesses that have an interest in the ethical growth of our city. I believe through setting clear expectations, this relationship can exist and produce valuable partnerships between those of similar philosophies concerning the best interests of the community. The donations should be representative of the belief in my values and philosophies, without an expectation of “quid pro quo”.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
I will always remain accessible and open to new and possibly opposing ideas. This is the only acceptable approach, as we should have the goal of representing as many of the citizens as possible during our decision-making process.
Should the City of Chesapeake explore a ward/district system versus continuing to elect members At-Large?
I do not support a change to the ward system. Every citizen should feel that they have a voice in the matters before City Council. This is best accomplished when all citizens are able to pick all nine members of council and every member of council is then accountable to every citizen.